The prevalence of dental, facial and head injuries sustained by schoolboy rugby players. A pilot study.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of dental, orofacial and head injuries and of mouthguard use among schoolboy rugby players.

Materials and methods: All members of the first and second XV rugby squads at three secondary schools (two in England and one in Australia) were included in the study. All participants answered a questionnaire that sought information regarding dental, orofacial and head injuries. Statistical differences between groups were determined using chi-square tests for categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis tests for discrete (count) variables.

Results: One hundred and seventy-eight completed questionnaires were returned (100% response rate). One hundred and twenty-five (70%) players reported having sustained at least one injury (range 1-4). Facial injuries were common. Dental injuries were the most prevalent injury: 46 (26%) were reported. Fractured teeth were reported by 20 (11%) players, and avulsed teeth by 7 (4%). There was evidence of a difference between schools in the prevalence of injured players (P=0.014), but among those reporting injuries, there was no difference between schools in the number of injuries (P=0.95). All players said that they used a mouthguard regularly.

Conclusions: Dental, orofacial and head injuries were commonly reported. Dental injuries were the most prevalent type of injury. All players used mouthguards regularly.